A review by beezinda
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is a book that will live in my heart. I'm not one to read narratives about the horrors of slavery and everything that came after. This was a hard read for me in some places... I had to put the book down... but this book accomplishes something rare. The narrative allows these characters to exist as whole 3 dimensional people and not as caricatures to exemplify tragic time periods. To me, this book is one of the best character studies I may have ever read.

This book was crafted and really showcases the author's narrative skill. There's a lot to relate back, forth, across, and between characters. I don't have the words to explain that this is so much more than a slave book. 
This book resonates deeply for me as it is a shining example of how the strength and soul of black people is the unrelenting spirit to be fully human despite all the circumstances and systems that constantly seek to deprive us our humanity. 

This book showcases the full range of human emotions and experiences. I hate that I find it refreshing and revelatory to see such range with black nuanced characters. It really is so good.

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